Abbott Laboratories announced an enhanced fertility menu for its Architect family of analyzers with the introduction of an improved Architect estradiol test. Offering excellent clinical performance, the new Architect estradiol test provides diagnostic laboratories with an accurate, sensitive and precise test to measure low, medium and high concentration levels of estradiol. Designed for use on Abbott's Architect i2000 and Architect i2000SR Immunoassay Systems, as well as, Architect ci8200 Immunochemistry System, the Architect estradiol test will be introduced and distributed worldwide.

"An estradiol test may be ordered to investigate a variety of conditions including early or delayed puberty. Estradiol testing can also play an important role in the treatment of infertility using assisted reproductive technologies," said David Spindell, M.D., senior director, Medical and Clinical Affairs, Abbott Laboratories. "Because estradiol reference levels will vary depending upon the condition being treated, a diagnostic test needs to be able to provide precise results across a wide measurement range. For example, estradiol levels are typically low in men and children, but in women, estradiol levels vary with levels rising and falling during a normal menstrual cycle."

A Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA), the Architect estradiol test provides an initial result in 29 minutes. With the automation and multidimensional sampling capabilities of the Architect analyzers, a laboratory can provide results to doctors quickly and also process additional tests if needed. This is particularly important during medical treatments for infertility where estradiol and other hormones need to be measured several times during treatment.

"The Architect estradiol test was designed to be sensitive and specific providing precise results across the entire assay range," said William Brown, Ph.D., vice president, Diagnostic Assays and Systems Development, Abbott Laboratories. "In addition, Architect estradiol has excellent correlation to the 'gold standard' gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) testing methodology. This correlation supports the excellent functional sensitivity and accuracy of the assay."

Other tests on the Architect fertility menu include: Architect FSH [follicle stimulating hormone], Architect LH [luteinizing hormone], Architect Prolactin, and Architect Total ß-hCG [Beta human chorionic gonadotropin]. Outside of the United States, Architect Testosterone is also available.

Meeting the laboratory's need for increased automation and productivity, the Architect i2000 and i2000SR systems can process up to 200 immunoassay tests an hour without compromising test throughput or turnaround time. The i2000SR system provides the added capability of processing stat tests quickly and efficiently with results within 18 minutes.

Combining immunoassay and clinical chemistry on one integrated platform, the ci8200 system runs up to 200 immunoassay tests and up to 1200 clinical chemistry tests an hour. By consolidating both immunoassay and clinical chemistry testing capabilities, the ci8200 helps improve laboratory productivity and efficiency.